Heavy rains on Saturday night and wee hours of Sunday triggered heavy mudslides and landslides at multiple locations on National Highway-29 affecting vehicular traffic movement.  Movement of vehicles from Dimapur to Kohima has been completely cut off, including the alternate road from Chümoukedima to Old Chümoukedima, following a massive landslide/mudslide near Chathe River/Paglapahar, destroying a portion of the road.

Meanwhile, in view of mudslides/ landslides at multiple locations along Chathe/ Paglapahar/ New Chumoukedima stretches of NH-29, movement of vehicles from Chathe Bridge to New Chumoukedima Bridge has been closed till restoration of the road work is completed.

According to reports, Chathe river is flowing above the danger level due to continuous heavy rainfall and has swept away a suspension bridge. There are reports of floodwaters submerging the bailey bridge linking Dubagaon and Khughovi village, cutting off road communication between the two villages.

The heavy rains have also created artificial floods in low-lying areas of Dimapur, thus, damaging properties and disrupting the lives of the people.

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In a travel advisory, Commissioner of Police Dimapur has suggested alternate routes for vehicles from Dimapur to Kohima and vice versa. The vehicles have been advised to take Pimla-Mhainamtsi-Jharnapani/Medziphema route. Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) would be allowed to ply from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., while Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV) carrying essential goods (only upto six wheelers) would ply from Pimla-Mhainamtsi-Jharnapani-Medziphema from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. with effect from September 15. Heavy Motor Vehicles carrying essential goods (only upto six wheelers) would be allowed from Medziphema/Jharnapani-Mhainamtsi-Pimla from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. with effect from September 15.

For Light Mother Vehicles, Niuland-Ghotovi-Zhadima route has also been suggested.

All travelers and transporters have been requested to cooperate and follow the alternate routes and timings for smooth and uninterrupted movements.

In view of the multiple landslides that have occurred along the Mhainamtsi-Pimla road due to incessant rain causing disruption to regular vehicular movement, the Deputy Commissioner Peren on Sunday issued fresh advisory for movement of essential commodities and commuters traveling along said road.

As per the advisory–light vehicles (to and fro) will be allowed along the Mhainamtsi – Pimla road from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Heavy vehicles (only upto six-wheelers) moving upward from Pimla to Mhainamtsi will be permitted from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.; and Heavy vehicles (only upto six-wheelers) moving downward from Mhainamtsi to Pimla will be permitted from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.

All travellers and transporters have been requested to co-operate and follow the above routes and timing to ensure smooth and uninterrupted movement.

Meanwhile, in view of the multiple landslides, the All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA) Wokha unit has advised all its members, i.e., taxi operators to use the alternate routes via Wokha-Marachu (Merapani) to reach Dimapur. It has instructed operators to adhere to the RTA-approved fare rates for this route, adding overcharging would not be tolerated.

For further updates, one can contact ANTA Wokha unit office or President at +91 70057 33197, Helpline No. +91 92333 16499, antawokhaunit@gmail.com.